Third week Discussion

Read this short article Erasmus; it talks about the advantages of international experience for getting and keeping a job. Many of you have studied (or are studying) abroad; what benefits do you think this experience has given you? Do you think it will give you an advantage over those who haven't? Those who haven't studied abroad; why haven't you? Do you think you'll be disadvantaged over those who have? Do you think this is a major advantage or rather minor? Is having a French education good enough? Over to you...

Hi John,

Hi John , hi everybody
ERASMUS means European Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. I think that is a good thing , a good experience for student to go abraod in the ERASMUS program. Yes, i think it's also good to study abroad.
I'm not European, i'm ivorian, i study in France 5 years ago. It's a experience for me. We can consider that i'm Erasmus student according to translation of the world is study abroad.
it's difficult ton go in ERASMUS for us non-european students to participate at this programm. Not only at the level administrative (Visa, scholarship...) but it is not that we lack the desire but facing constraints host of we do not more toward this option. Personnaly i prefer to go on a work placement. if i have any advice to my colleagues is that it takes advantages of ERASMUS system. It's positive aspect intellectually but also developp the life experience.

Hi John,

I lived five months at Warsaw in Poland and for me ERASMUS was a great experience. I met people from lots of different countries which allowed me to learn about the cultures that I didn't know. It's also a good thing because the fact of being alone abroad. I had to integrate into a totally different environment with different language.
I think that my ERASMUS exchange is a positive point for my futur job because i improved my english , my adaptability and i developed my global network.
Today employers are looking for more international profiles and employees who aren't afraid by sudden change and can adapt to any situation. I think that Erasmus program brings this little extra.

Hey guys
As you said, Erasmus is a very rewarding experience. During an Erasmus stay, you grow many skills. By living abroad, you face different culture. You discover a new way for studying, new methods of work, and in many cases, you have to learn and practice another language.
These events get stronger your adaptability, and raise your international network. That's a good point for you future employability.
Also, you meet students with who you spend time, share your experiences, and have fun through many parties !
My Erasmus stay took place at Warsaw throughout the first semester. I didn't want to get back in France.
Try it, you'll be convinced, and no more you'll stay in France
I already want to achieve another stay abroad.

Raphaël

Hi John,
Thanks to the experience of studying abroad, I become more and more independent and self-confident. Even if the beginning is so hard for me, but I "survived" and learned a lot. The most important thing to me is that I can speak fluently French and make lots of kindly friends here which improve my communication skills. Before I came here, I treat my hometown as the whole world. Hummm,I have no idea of searching a job with this amazing experience abroad when I'll be back to China,because my English is getting even worse than ever   .
The first time that I left my parents was five years ago, I still rembember the looks of my mum  holding her tears in the eyes but smiling all the time,I think she is proud of me . When I share my good or bad experience here with my pal in China, she told me that life doesn't get easier in anywhere but you just get stronger!

Hello john,
I didn't study abroad beacause I didn't have the opportunity before. This year, I'm at the university but last year, I was in economic prepa in Poitiers.. But the next year, I hope that I will go on Latin America more particularly in Venezuela. ( I love english but I'm better in spanish than english) I think it's a great opportunity to go abroad and it's necessary to improve foreign languages. In France, french people have a bad reputation for their english. I don't konw if I am disadvantaged by this situation because I have the opportunity in France to talk about foreign friends in Spain or another country in my daily life. At the same time, I am aware of the fact that the French education isn't enough to have a good job in my future because of globalization...
See you soon

Hi everybody !
I haven’t studied abroad. Indeed, I haven’t had many timeliness in my studies and perhaps I haven’t had ever the desire to make this leake. I agree that it is a great opportunity. Thanks to it, we may discover a new culture, learn to master another language than its mother tongue. It has many virtues to professional and private life. It is a great springboard to get an international job and a wider culture. It is a great advantage. I think that one day I should go to study abroad. I’m waiting for the good instant. The countries where I would like go are Canada or India for instance.

See you soon !

Hi John !
I think Erasmus may be interesting if you want to have free credit. There is my point : Erasmus is an easy way to improve your English by practicing everyday but in this scholar system i think this is useless. They give you the semester : you just have 2 or 3 class you already had the past year and you're free to go or not. I think this is a privileged, but criteria are too selective ans its used to get free grades. Also it may gives you a great opportunity to meet people and get new friends, to live on a rainbow eating nutella cupcake blablabla.

i think that Erasmus is a good experience and u can up fastly your english skill. For me, it's really an advantage for people have been gone in an others countries. They can have great marks, nice english's skill to do a master and see lot of things in others countries. Additionally, the night,when u going in PUBs, it's the best TD ever. U re learning the real english vocabulary. When u re brain out, u will dare to speak english. I think that the best way to learn english, it's to go out with a chick. Now, it's the time to speak handicaps of Erasmus. I think. I think again but i don't find.

See you soon !

Hi John,

So you didn't kept the subject you propose last thursday morning... Too bad!
I didn't study abroad, because i didn't get the oppourtunity (bad marks). But when I was at the college I have to work a week in England and I think it was the moment I improve the most in english.
But Erasmus is a longer experience and so you got more chances to progress. But it's also an occasion to meet people and have a lot of parties, and that's the true objective. I think, don't make Erasmus is a disatvantage for employement and also for mind openning.
However you can find a job without it, otherwise it'll be an obligation.
To learn a language it's the best way because you enjoy it. But if you enjoy in another way the language you can learn with this.

Hi John
Personally I never went to study abroad. Today, I regret it because it would have allowed me to better know the country's culture and to improve myself in foreign languages. According to some of my classmates who went to ERASMUS this is a great experience. However, it is a just reward, my grade is not good enough and particularly English.
I think this is a disadvantage for me not being able to take this experience to improve my language. Today, bosses look much experience of the prospective and particularly if they are bilingual today because English is the language understood in the world. Today the work is considered as something international since there is freedom of trade and the lack of border that promotes exchanges.
However, employers also watch a lot of our professional experience and especially if we did internships. In addition, our French education is recognized world-including our etiquette and know to be so you could say that this is also an advantage for staying in France.

Hi John,

Bye everybody !

Hi John,
Personnaly I have never participated at Erasmus project. Firstly my english is poor so it slowed me to try. I regret not having tried it for my personal experience because the students having fun a lot and when they come back, they are bilingual. It's also a discovery of another country, another culture cheaply thanks to the aid of the project.
I want to be wealth management advisor so I don't think to be disadvantage compared to Erasmus students. In this business the knowledge of foreign languages is not obligatory, there is very little foreign customers. In addition, I found that subjects of this year were very important for my future career as banking economy,financial markets,...
Speak several languages is a strong advantage in some trades but it does less so in others. I think that it's my case. The French education is recognized as one of the best worldwide. French universities have made great efforts for the integration of their students.
All these things lead me to not participate in this project. I don't regret it, even if from the point of view of the discovery, openminded and personal enrichment (with the discovery of another language) it must be really interesting.

Hi!
I think erasmus is a great oportunity for everybody.
First for the foreign country : havind the experience of students from everywhere is beneficial for teacher.They can understand and compare the level of student and improve their teaching way.
For the foreign student its obvsly wonderfull to increase his english level wich is rly important now (nearly forced).
Going to another country will be something i would like to do : discovering new way of thinking, new crafts beers, new wine and also new surf spot( if it is possible to surf there).
I don't think going to study in another country for 6months will make u acquire new skills but the employment market seems to like erasmus students.So going out seems to be good for ur english lvl and pour ur employment and also for ur general culture.
And for guys or girls like Pitou or Yulin its and way to find love
This article talks a bit about it
http://www.dw.de/eu-erasmus-gives-europe-opportunity-love-and-babies/a-17940563

Hello,John.
Fortunately,I am a foreign student who study in France.But I took part in the corporation programs between my university XiangTan( Hometown of chairman Mao) and University Poitiers for 2 years not ERASMUS.Just like Yulin and SiQin who come from the same university with me.
In my opinion, there are a lot of advantages of studying abroad.Firstly,it is an impressive and unforgettable experience in my life.When I came to here which means that a new life was starting: different environment,different people,different language...All of things is new for me.Secondly,I have made a large of friends who come from around world and knew various cultures of different countries.At the mean while, I realized deeply the difference of culture,food,school between my country and here.At last,I have expanded my horizon by traveling the cities in France and the other Europe countries(I have a journey in Luxembourg;Portugal;Switzerland;). In these countries, i saw different things compering with here.
Indeed,there exist some disadvantages in studying abroad.Just like SiQin said that we will miss my families very much. But I think there are something else.In Paris,more and more Chinese students was robbed every year,the security of international student is becoming a serious problem.Another drawback is the problem of racial discrimination.When I come to some public places,there are some staffs to treat the french and the Asian attitude is completely different.
To conclude,I think studying abroad is a good chance for all of us which can help us to create a colorful life.So the guys who don't have a experience of studying abroad,catching the chance,new life is waiting for u.
Thank you.See u tomorrow.

Hey everyone,
As a student, actually participating in Erasmus Mundus project, I dare say that this type of mobility gives a priceless experience that is impossible to obtain within your university. When I came to Poitiers, I've been studying French during 3 years, but my first semester in France gave me much more than these three years before: language practice, “vivid” language, immersion into cultural background... At the same time, this is an opportunity to face another standards of education, to get more acquainted with the latest theories and practices. For instance, I've never heard about SAS before, Belarusian Universities usually work with another programs during the course of Econometrics (or with no programs at all).
On the one hand, Erasmus is an excellent academic opportunity, on the other hand – it gives a valuable life experience, how to adapt and survive in other country, for instance. It also gives many new friends from all over the world. I'm very happy and glad that I'm here for Erasmus and I have all these opportunities.
However, my Erasmus would say nothing to Belarusian employers. European diploma is not recognized by Belarusian enterprises, and Belarus is still out of Bolognian process. Considering that, Erasmus is a valuable experience for my personal development, but not for my CV (if I decide to work in Belarus).

Hello everyone,
As we usually know, for the project Erasmus, there are a lot of advantages as well as disadvantages. But what I’m thinking the most important advantage is that the “vision” for whole world.
When you stay at a constant place, laziness make U stop walking and thinking.
But when you arrive in a completely strange country, with all the differences between the new environment and yours before, U have to adapt it to survive.
At the same time, you will establish a "world vision" just like I was saying in the first place. For example, you will focus on the exchange rate float, you'll find a new way of life. Environment will force you to think, to change for a better life.
So in my opinion, no matter what kind of fashion U use, everyone should have a international experience, not only for the job, but for those who study in foreign country,it's easier to find a job after graduate.

Hi everyone.

By going abroad in their curriculum, young people acquire knowledge in specific disciplines but also reinforce highly valued by employers skills.They clearly better manage their integration into the labor market. Five years after graduation , the Erasmus guy have a lower unemployment rate of 23% (according to a study) compared to those who did not take advantage of this opportunity.
According to the study , 92% of employers look for people they intend to recruit personality traits that the program increases , such as " tolerance, confidence , ability to solve problems , curiosity the knowledge of its own strengths / weaknesses or determination . " Students who received the European program have higher values ​​for these personality traits.

J-Carrere wrote:
And for guys or girls like Pitou or Yulin its and way to find love  

at least, one more chance than those who stay in China

Hi, John
I am also studying in a foreign country. In China, People often say: Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books! So a study abroad program is the opportunity to see the world and we have also a chance to experience different styles of education. If I chose to study in Europe, I’ll have the option to travel through various parts of Europe including Italy, Germany and Greece…I can feel the different cultures and taste the different foods. When I finish my study abroad program and return home, all of these experiences abroad are very attractive to future employers. For the disadvantages I think the cost of living in other countries is quite expensive, so I need to spend more money on it and I often miss my parents.

Hello John


I have not yet studied in a foreign university and I regret it because I think to make study abroad has many advantages. The main advantage is first learning a new language. It is not with a few hours of study English at the University that we will make much progress. There is nothing better than being in the country for speaking and listening that language.
Professionally, it facilitates the insertion and rise within the hierarchy, as more you are at a position of responsibility, you have more chance of needing a language other than your native language , communications with foreign countries doing more common.
I think having to study at a foreign university can help us stand out from others to be more easily recruited.
In addition to learning a language, the experience of studying abroad allows to see other lifestyles, other organizations. This gives you greater openness, more critical about what is done in your home country.
As a lot of people if I had to make a trip abroad I wish I could make it to the US, to enjoy the American way of life and the American dream. What also interests me in these stays abroad, the fact of living this kind of like an adventure. We arrive and nobody knows then at as we get to know the people to make friends. This can help to get such a professional international network.
I have not studied abroad because it is something that is prepared in advance, and which must be maturely reflected. I will wish to study in the United States, or the United States, take up almost no undergraduate students so it is very difficult to be accepted. In master it is much easier to be accepted. The problem is that overseas tuition fees in most countries are very high tuition costs are an advantage are among the cheapest in the world.


These advantages make me regret not having yet realized studies abroad. However, I think it's a minor inconvenience. The school system in France is renowned for its excellence throughout the world. I think that recruiters abroad appreciate the French profiles because they know that they will recruit students received a very good education. As proof, most African students come to study in France for the reputation of these Universities. For me it is more important to do internships or have professional experience rather than follow an Erasmus. There was also some criticism as to the fact that Erasmus students, apart from learning a language do not learn much in their education because of a schedule time that is too light reserved for Erasmus students.

Hi John,
I have never studied in another country, and I think I will not finish my study in a foreigner country. Indeed, even if there are lots of advantages to study abroad, I don’t have a good level in English and I think I can’t understand the teaching in another language than French. Furthermore, I would be homesick if I can’t come home sometimes.
However, even if I haven’t studied abroad, I think there are advantages to do that. Indeed, it allows discovering another culture, and it’s a good thing. Then, it’s a good way to speak good English (or other language), that’s why it can be an advantage to get a job.
However, it’s not a great advantage, just a minor. There are lots of other important competences, so I don’t feel disadvantaged over those who have studied abroad.

Hi everyone,

Honestly, I didn't have the choice. This year I follow 2 different years in L2 & L3. But even if I had the choice I probably did it. The main reason why I would choose ERASMUS would be increase my english level in english speaking country. I think lot of student choose ERASMUS to have fun and nice time. They do the cover letter with all of the hypocrisy they have to reach their goal. We can prove that : In Italy, they call ERASMUS, ORGASMUS because in Europe, apparently the ERASMUS program allows students to do many babies (around 1 million since the foundation, they don't waste time in 6 months). Without teh sex, they do party, and drink a lot ! For me, the main reason is to learn language, "discover new culture" like the hypocrites says, and if you aren't open minded, to work that. And after all, it's a new line on your Resume. For the rest, it's useless.

Hi John , hi everyone
So what I think of the ERASMUS program? obviously it's a good thing. Did you know that not only helps you to learn a foreign language but also allow you to acquire certain qualities in managing your life every day, for example, made to fit into a different environment, a different lifestyle , another system of education, and make do.
Finally, the ERASMUS experience allows eventually translate your ability to adapt to an environment that is unknown to you in general, and makes you benefit from accelerated learning of a foreign language who can be a plus to your CV so facilitate your employment with employees now looking for people very dynamic. Moreover, this is just more like an internship or stay abroad long-term, so we can do without if we can compensate with other experiences that go in the same frame.

I'm in the ERASMUS CONGO-FRANCE , so I take advantage of my experience as well after my studies course I'd envied by employees in my country because I have a strong high-level training in time by the level expected there, so in my case I can stay off the ERASMUS program, otherwise I advise my friends to participate if they have the opportunity because it's an easy way to learn lots of good thing most of the language (culture, festival)